Washing fleece and faux-fur blankets in winter: at home or at a laundry shop?

Quick answer: fleece and faux-fur blankets can be machine-washed at home if the label allows and your machine is big enough for the blanket to move in the drum. Use the Bedding or gentle programme in cool water, less detergent, a thorough rinse, and dry it spread out until fully dry. If the blanket is too thick for your machine, take it to a laundry shop.

At home or at a laundry shop?

Situation	Suggestion
Thin fleece, single faux-fur blanket	Machine-wash at home
Thick double blanket, 7–8kg machine	Think twice; a packed drum won’t clean it
Thick cotton or down duvet, small machine	Laundry shop with a large drum
Label says dry clean	Laundry shop

Machine-washing fleece and faux-fur blankets

1. Shake off dust and pre-treat stains with a little detergent.
2. Fold it loosely into the drum; don’t pack it in.
3. Choose the Bedding or gentle programme with cool water.
4. Use liquid detergent at a lower dose than usual: thick blankets hold detergent, and too much won’t rinse out.
5. Add an extra rinse.
6. Spin on low to medium.

Fabric softener?

• Fleece and faux fur: use very little or none; too much makes fibres limp and less fluffy.
• Cotton duvet covers and sheets: add softener in the final rinse for a lasting scent, such as SPY 5-in-1 Fabric Softener (50–100ml per 5–7kg).

Drying blankets in winter

• Spread it over two lines and turn it so it dries evenly.
• Dry, gently sunny days are ideal; on damp days dry it where air moves, or use a fan.
• Brush faux fur lightly when almost dry to fluff it up.
• Fold only when completely dry inside. See: Clothes smell musty after drying indoors

Storing blankets after winter

Wash, dry thoroughly, then store in a breathable fabric bag somewhere dry. Never seal a damp blanket in a plastic bag.

Detergent for blankets

A liquid 2-in-1 such as SPY Ultra Clean Plus dissolves easily and washes and softens in one step; for thick blankets, use the low end of the dose and add an extra rinse.

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